President Pellegrini Welcomes King Philip VI of Spain to Slovakia

Bratislava, 11 June (TASR) - President Peter Pellegrini welcomed King Philip VI of Spain to the Presidential Palace in Bratislava on Tuesday (10 June), the President's Office's communications department has informed TASR, adding that this is the first official visit by a Spanish monarch to Slovakia in more than twenty years. The office also stated that this is a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries. The meeting included bilateral talks between the two statesmen and a gala state dinner served in honour of the royal visit. "Issues such as bilateral relations, cooperation between the two countries and the current security challenges in Europe dominated the discussion between the two statesmen," said the office. The president highlighted the friendship and long-term Spanish support that Slovakia has enjoyed, especially during the transformation years before it joined the European Union. Pellegrini recalled the historic visit paid by King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia to Slovakia in 2002. The king's vision at the time, that Slovakia and Spain would soon become partners within the Union, came true in 2004. The president described this moment as a strong symbol of the trust and lasting partnership between the two nations, stated the President's Office. On Wednesday, the Slovak head of state and the king will travel together to Lest military training centre (Banska Bystrica region), where they will observe the NATO Multinational Battle Group, over which a Spanish contingent has recently taken command. A ceremonial muster, presentation of equipment and demonstrations of unit training will take place on the premises of Lest training centre. "His Majesty is being accompanied during his visit to Slovakia by Defence Minister Margarita Robles, which underscores the importance of the defence and security ties between the two countries," said the President's Office. The Presidential Palace has posted on social media that Pellegrini has gifted Philip VI with unique hand-made skis from Slovakia to mark his official visit. "The skis were made of wood from renewable forests, supplemented with ecological resin glue and a combination of special fibres. The creator of the technology is Slovak developer Viktor Devecka, and such production is unique in Europe," the palace explained. Every detail of the skis has been tailor-made for the king, and they feature the royal emblem of Philip VI, applied using high-tech digital printing. ko/df